CARLSBAD — One of Carlsbad's most well-known traditions is celebrating 25 years of joy this year.

Christmas on the Pecos started in 1981 with a small boat that could seat a dozen people. The tour was considerably shorter, as only 11 or 12 decorated homes made up the show.

Today, as many as 15,000 people will enjoy the spectacle put on each year by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.

Three boats will transport visitors up and down the Pecos River to see the 100 decorated homes along its banks, alight with Christmas spirit.

"A boat tour in New Mexico is totally unique," said Lisa Boeke, director of tourism at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. "I think people don't realize what they're going to experience until they get on the boat."

The lighted houses are a sight to behold on their own, but they'll also be reflected on the surface of the river.

Mike Calvani, a homeowner along the Pecos River and the chairman of Christmas on the Pecos, has been here since the beginning.

He said several people claim the idea as their own, but it is certain the event was started as a way to drum up tourism in town during a typically "dead" time of year for the industry in Carlsbad.

Amazingly, Calvani said the worst mishaps that have occurred during Christmas on the Pecos have been dead boat engines. No passengers have fallen overboard, and no boats have sank.

"Things have gone very, very well," Calvani said.

Although the homes are independently owned, area businesses and organizations can choose to adopt a home, a good option for any elderly homeowners who are no longer able to physically decorate themselves.

Calvani said around 20 percent of this year's homes have been decorated by adopting agencies.

The Chamber of Commerce has accelerated promotion efforts for the silver anniversary, starting advertisements a few months earlier than usual.

And it's paid off.

Of the 15,000 available tickets for the season, Boeke said 4,500 have already been sold.

"We're probably 20 percent over where we were at this point last year," she said.

Boeke added that group ticket sales have been rolling, possibly in part to lower hotel prices. She said most hotels offering a special rate for Christmas on the Pecos participants are charging around $109 a night, compared to around $200 last year.

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Christmas on the Pecos is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.(Photo: Maddy Hayden - Current-Argus)

Calvani said those who make it to this year's show are in for a treat.

"I think this will be one of the best years we have had," Calvani said. "We have a lot of new homeowners which means a lot of new enthusiasm. Every year I become more and more amazed with the decorations."

Calvani, Boeke and Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway agreed that the magic of Christmas on the Pecos is owed in large part to the homeowners and the volunteers who help decorate.

"Christmas on the Pecos is a source of pride for Carlsbad residents, and the economic impact through tourism is in the millions of dollars," Janway said. "Of course, the real heroes are the volunteers – the families who put up beautiful decorations year after year, the service organizations and businesses who help make the journey beautiful, our ship captains, and our many dedicated volunteers."

How: Tickets are available online at www.christmasonthepecos.com, by calling 575-628-0952, at the ticket office at the Pecos River Village from 4:30-9:30 p.m. on days of departure and at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, 302 S. Canal St., from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children Sunday-Thursday, $20 for adults and $15 for children Friday-Saturday. Special rates of $10 for adults, $5 for children are available to Eddy County residents. Special rate tickets must be purchased at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.

Maddy Hayden may be reached at 575-628-5512, mahayden@currentargus.com and @Maddy_J_Hayden on Twitter.